We need laws to back Anas' method of journalism - Abronye DC

Maverick Brong Ahafo Regional First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe popularly known as Abronye DC says every citizen of this country is entitled to question the methodology used by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the politician questioned why Anas and his team members failed to show their faces on the video which saw officials at the GFA and referees taking bribes to influence their decisions.

Abronye DC quizzed the kind of judge who will preside over such a case like that of the ‘Number 12’ video. ‘’The investigative piece is good but if we should tender it in evidence, it will be only a one-sided video. Who is the giver? We only saw the hands of the givers and not their entire body.

We have to see their faces and entire bodies.’’ The Supreme Court on February 28, 2018 ruled that, you cannot record someone secretly but in circumstances where you are witnessing a criminal act, it is allowed. In criminal cases, it is allowed. Our problem is that, Anas should not have shown only a one-sided video. We need to see the entire video,’’ he emphasized.

He also underscored the need for us to get good results from the video and called for a law that will ensure that, the methods and strategies used by Anas, are supported by law. ‘’We need to address the issues. We need good results and the good results I am talking about are that, we will be able to question the investigators.

We need to pass a law that will allow Ghanaians to ensure that Anas’ work is backed by statute. Because per the law I am talking about; the Security and Intelligent Act 1993, Act 526, only the security services in this country can go undercover.

And so, if Anas is using an undercover method, then we should know when we can admit it in evidence so the culprits are not left off the hook. The culprits captured in Anas videos are always left off the hook and if we fail to address these concerns, then we are engaging in a fruitless exercise,’’ Abronye DC said.